Mothering Sunday

Sunday, March 10th

Christ and The Epiphany Church
39 Park Place
East Haven, CT 06512
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MOTHERING SUNDAY

The roots for Mothering Sunday date back to ancient tradition, evolving over time, and given, in the late Middle Ages in England, a particularly Anglican twist.

As we know, the mood of Lent is somber and thoughtful, attended by reflection on where we fall short, and personal disciplines of self-denial.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent historically marks a turning point in the season: The focus changes from repentance to contemplation of the events of Holy Week and anticipation of the baptisms of those who had been prepared over the previous year, at the Easter Vigil.

The Church found it a logical point at which to take a breather, to lighten up a bit. It chanted, in exultation over the approaching increase of her children through baptism, “Rejoice, O Jerusalem,” or, in Latin, Laetare Jerusalem. A measure of relaxation from Lenten disciplines was granted on this Sunday, so that the Faithful might not break down under the severe strain of the Lenten fast, but continue the restrictions with a refreshed spirit. It came to be nicknamed “Refreshment Sunday.”

It also came to be known as “Rose Sunday,” from an ancient practice of carrying a rose when returning from the celebration of Mass. Often, in honor of that practice, on this Sunday the veils on crosses are changed from purple to rose.

Prayers praising the ministry of women were also offered.

Which brings us to England and the “Mothering Sunday” tradition, which dates back to the late Middle Ages. Children left home as early as ages 10 or 11, to become apprentices or servants. On this one Sunday a year they were permitted to go home, to visit their “mother church,” the one in which they had been baptized. They would bring gifts to the altar. On the same day they would visit their own mothers, bringing them gifts of flowers and a spiced cake called a “simnel cake.”

It is a huge tradition in England to this day, and a growing one in Episcopal Churches in many parts of this country. Were you to worship in the U.K.on this Sunday you would experience the kind of attendance typically associated with Christmas and Easter here, especially mothers, many of whom might attend worship on no other Sunday in the year. They would be there on Mothering Sunday though, to get their rose or other flower (Some of my informants report growing up, scouring the hedgerows to get violets or pansies, to give their mothers on Mothering Sunday.) and their simnal cakes.

Mothers Day, you can tell your friends, did NOT start with Hallmark! We Anglicans were there first! WAY first!

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